Drink-driving limits in North Carolina (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: North Carolina sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | It is unlawful for a person under 21 to drive on a highway or public vehicular area while consuming alcohol or while any alcohol remains in the body from previous consumption. [2] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Driving a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more is the offence of impaired driving in a commercial vehicle. [3] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | Yes [4] |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Impaired driving is a misdemeanour sentenced at one of five levels plus Aggravated Level One. Level Five (least serious): fine up to $200 and 24 hours to 60 days. Aggravated Level One (most serious): fine up to $10,000 and 12 to 36 months. [5] |
Sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 20-138.1, Impaired driving (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025-02-05) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 20-138.3, Driving by person less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or drugs (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025-03-21) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 20-138.2, Impaired driving in commercial vehicle (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025-02-05) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 20-16.3A, Checking stations and roadblocks (Internet Archive snapshot of 2024-12-08) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- North Carolina General Assembly: G.S. 20-179, Sentencing hearing after conviction for impaired driving (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025-01-15) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
North Carolina and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicles) | Checkpoints authorised (set pattern) | Up to $10,000 and 36 months (aggravated) |
| Georgia | 0.08% | 0.02% under 21 | 0.04% in a commercial vehicle | Yes, sobriety roadchecks | Up to 1 year jail, $300-1,000 fine |
| South Carolina | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: $400 or 48 h-30 days |
| Virginia | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Class 1 misdemeanour; fine min. $250 |
More rules in North Carolina
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Illegal; criminal misdemeanour · Growing at home: Prohibited (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Level 2 limited provisional) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (limited learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle, one class
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers and novelties only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (sparklers and novelties only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary closed pocket knife exempt · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring-opened knives are not "ordinary pocket knives"
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting/email banned) · Hands-free use: Calls not restricted
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (all alcohol) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (all alcohol)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.